Biopolymer chitosan was used to modify the mechanical properties of soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) films. The SEP/chitosan blend films were prepared by solution casting from 10% aqueous acetic acid. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the blend films increased with increasing amount of chitosan. Microphase separation was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, although interaction between the two components was revealed by FTIR. The biocompatibility of SEP/chitosan blend flints containing 10%-50% of chitosan, as demonstrated by cell culture of NIH3T3, was much better than that of pure chitosan.
